Upper Montclair 83 Exceptional
Upper Montclair Livability #35 ranked city in New Jersey#798 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Upper Montclair

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in Upper Montclair?

Upper Montclair, New Jersey is a moderately-sized city with a population of 11,734 inhabitants. Upper Montclair has a population density of 4,709 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (86% White). Given that fact, Upper Montclair could be considered less diverse than other cities. If finding a family friendly city is important to you, look no further. With more than 70% of the population considered married and 57% with kids under the age of 18, Upper Montclair could be considered a very suitable city for families. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Upper Montclair entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 46 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Upper Montclair, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like commute, health & safety, employment, housing and more.

Using data and statistics Upper Montclair has received a livability score of 84 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 97th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Upper Montclair could be a great choice! Upper Montclair also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we see that Upper Montclair ranks very well for amenities (B+), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+).

If you're considering living in Upper Montclair, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Upper Montclair provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Upper Montclair apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Upper Montclair is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Upper Montclair come in at $1,322,981, which is 138.2% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Upper Montclair, the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 17.6% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Upper Montclair

See all the best places to live around Upper Montclair

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      Upper Montclair transportation information

      Statistic Upper Montclair New Jersey National
      Average one way commute46min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work44.2%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool2.4%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit31.1%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.8%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home19.7%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Upper Montclair, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.